Two houses destroyed in Ampang fire
AMPANG: Two houses were destroyed and two vehicles damaged in a fire that broke out at Lorong Merbau 3, Kampung Melayu Ampang here on Tuesday (Feb 17). "The first engine from the Ampang Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene about four minutes after the call was received," he said. "The firefighting operation involved personnel from the Ampang Fire and Rescue Station with assistance from the Pandan Indah Fire and Rescue Station," he said in a statement on Tuesday. He said the fire involved a Class B house measuring 30 by 60 square feet, which was about 90% destroyed. "The fire also spread to another house measuring 20 by 60 square feet, which was about 50%destroyed," he said.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 11:35 UTC
Heartbreak as mum unable to donate liver to ill son
Compiled by C. ARUNO,NAN HIDAYAT NAN AZMIE and R. ARAVINTHANA MOTHER’S plan to donate part of her liver to her child could not proceed due to major health risks. reported that her son, Nor Farrel Iman Muhamad Fahmin, aged two, was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a condition involving liver failure, after being born on March 9, 2024. The child was once treated for 40 days at Hospital Kulim before being referred to Hospital Pulau Pinang (HPP). > A man’s dream of joining the armed forces was crushed in an instant after he was seriously injured in a road accident that resulted in his right leg being amputated 10 years ago, Kosmo! “I skidded while riding my motorcycle alone, causing severe injuries to my right leg.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 11:35 UTC
Missing Malaysian found in Japanese custody, says embassy
KUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Ministry has clarified that the detention of a Malaysian man in Japan was not automatically reported to the embassy because Japanese law requires the individual’s explicit consent. Wisma Putra confirmed that Muhammad Faiq Zafran Mohd Jailani, reported missing on Dec 2 last year, is in the custody of the Toyama Minami Police Station. The Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo initiated efforts to locate him immediately upon his disappearance, engaging with Japan's Foreign Ministry and local enforcement. Investigative authorities in Toyama stated that Muhammad Faiq did not grant consent to disclose his information at the material time, legally prohibiting authorities from notifying the embassy. Wisma Putra reminded Malaysians abroad to strictly adhere to the laws and regulations of their host countries.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 11:34 UTC
Contractor loses nearly RM108,000 to tender scam
JERTIH: A contractor lost nearly RM108,000 after falling victim to a non-existent tender scam. The victim agreed to purchase five portable generators worth RM107,995 and made five payments to a company account provided by the suspect between Feb 10 and 12. However, checks with the agency later confirmed that no such tender had been issued. Realising he had been duped, the victim lodged a police report at the Besut District Police Headquarters yesterday. Police have advised the public to verify tender offers with the relevant agencies and not be lured by promises of quick profits.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 11:30 UTC
Bersatu youth: Branch dissolution announcements ‘unconstitutional’
PETALING JAYA: Bersatu's youth wing clarified that committee members of the party's branches do not have the authority to announce the dissolution of their branches, warning that such actions are unconstitutional. Armada's information chief, Harris Idham Rashid, said there are no provisions in the party's constitution that allow a branch to be dissolved by its committee. "Even a branch leader has no authority to dissolve their branch. Only the party's supreme council, chaired by the president, has the power to decide on the dissolution of branches. Harris said it had recently come to Armada's attention that several of the party's branch committees had announced that their respective branches were dissolved following the resignation of several members.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 11:30 UTC
Man missing following suspected croc attack
KUCHING: A man has been reported missing, believed to have been attacked by a crocodile while fishing under the Sungai Buloh Bridge in Sadong Jaya, approximately 40km from here, on Tuesday (Feb 17). The Sarawak Operations Control Centre of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department issued a statement saying an emergency call was received at 12.40pm. "According to witnesses at the scene, the victim, identified as Mohd Faizal Abdilah, 30, was reportedly fishing along the riverbank with a friend. "The victim is said to have waded waist-deep into the river while casting a net when he was attacked by a crocodile,” the statement read. The department added that search and rescue operations are currently underway.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 11:29 UTC
Immediate aid channelled to Manjoi flood victims, says Anwar
PETALING JAYA: Immediate assistance has been channelled to families affected by the floods in Manjoi, Ipoh, says Anwar Ibrahim. Since yesterday (Feb 16) I have been receiving continuous reports and have channelled immediate aid to families affected by this disaster," he said. Earlier, media reported 26 people from 10 families were evacuated to Al-Ghufron Mosque in Manjoi after floodwaters submerged their homes in Kampung Manjoi and Kampung Tengku Hussein on Monday night. According to a spokesman from the Kinta District Civil Defence Force District Operations Control Centre, nine families comprising 22 people were affected in Kampung Manjoi, while one family of four was displaced in Kampung Tengku Hussein. Flash floods hit several parts of Ipoh yesterday after almost two hours of heavy rain, affecting areas such as the city centre, Tawas, and Kepayang, Manjoi.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 11:24 UTC
Rafizi denies corruption allegations over Economy Ministry policies
KUALA LUMPUR: Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has denied corruption allegations linked to his tenure at the Economy Ministry, following a recent investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). He said the NETR was developed by the ministry but does not involve public funds for project construction while all procurements were under the Finance Ministry. He said the Economy Ministry is a planning ministry and does not manage procurement or contracts of this nature. "Any payments were processed by MIDA and screened and approved by the Finance Ministry." According to sources, based on the complaints and documents submitted by several parties, MACC also obtained related documents from the Economy Ministry on Feb 13.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 11:12 UTC
PAS still wants to lead PN, says Takiyuddin
KOTA BHARU: PAS continues to maintain its intention to lead Perikatan Nasional after the coalition’s chairmanship post fell vacant, with all component parties reportedly agreeing to the proposal. Perikatan Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said there is, for now, a preliminary agreement among coalition parties for PAS to take the lead to ensure stability and to maintain the opposition’s political direction, reported Sinar Harian. According to him, although earlier reports indicated that some parties opposed PAS leading Perikatan, recent developments indicate that all member parties are now aligned. Perikatan currently comprises four main parties, and the decision to appoint a new chairman will be made in accordance with the coalition’s constitution. For the record, the four main parties that make up the Periakatan coalition are PAS, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 11:02 UTC
Chinese President Xi's message of strength, optimism resonates globally
China put forward the Global Governance Initiative, successfully hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women. In Chinese culture, the horse embodies vigor, strength and resilience, symbolizing steady progress and enduring prosperity, Xi said. Moretti said that President Xi used his address to remind the Chinese people that attention to high-quality development is paramount to continue advancing the nation. "By advancing globalisation, China will demonstrate resilience and vitality amid a complex and volatile international environment while solidifying its economic strength," said Kang. Aruna Goonatilleke, president of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association, said that Xi's speech reflects clarity of vision, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of China.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:55 UTC
Celebrate CNY together, reject political division, says MCA president
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has called for unity and an end to political divisions during the festive celebration. “The Chinese New Year celebration is about wishing everyone well,” he told reporters after attending the MCA CNY celebration at Wisma MCA here on Tuesday (Feb 17). Dr Wee said leaders from various parties, including former ministers and politicians from different political backgrounds, were invited as part of the spirit of inclusivity. “As for Khairy, he is a good friend of MCA, as are many politicians from different sides of the political divide,” he said. Commenting on the attendance of DAP leaders, Dr Wee said invitations had been extended to all parties, but attendance depended on individual schedules.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:55 UTC
Pahang Sultan, Tengku Ampuan extend CNY greetings
KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has conveyed Chinese New Year greetings to the Chinese community in Pahang and across the country. Also extending the greetings was the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. In a Facebook post on Monday (Feb 16), the Pahang Sultanate said Their Royal Highnesses expressed hope that the Chinese New Year celebrations would be observed in a spirit of joy, prosperity and happiness with family and friends. "May this Chinese New Year bring cheer, lasting good health and further strengthen the spirit of unity and harmony among the multiracial people of Pahang Darul Makmur in particular and Malaysia in general. Gong Xi Fa Cai,"Their Royal Highnesses said in the post.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:49 UTC
Bersatu’s internal split ‘karma’ for Umno rift, says Mohd Hairi
JOHOR BARU: The current turmoil in Bersatu reflects the consequences of political decisions made in the past, says Umno party Youth deputy chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah. The Umno supreme council member, who is also the Larkin assemblyman, added that the internal split within Bersatu is “karma” for what it has done to Umno“Actually, I am not bothered about other parties. Mohd Hairi said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had introduced the concept of a “rumah bangsa”, signalling the party’s openness to uniting Malays under one roof. He added that the president had opened the “door of the house”, reflecting Umno’s willingness to embrace other Malay leaders and parties. Mohd Hairi also said the Umno Youth wing was open to accepting former members of other parties who wished to join.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:45 UTC
Company loses RM137,600 after paying for non-existent tender
KULAI: A company lost RM137,600 after being duped into paying for a non-existent tender involving the supply of electric generator machines to an industrial training institute located in Tangkak. He said the victim claimed her company suffered losses amounting to RM137,600 after being deceived by an individual offering a tender to supply generator machines to the institute. “The company had agreed to purchase six portable generator machines along with four battery units worth RM137,600. “She was informed that there was no tender at present for the supply of generator machines and electric cables,” he said. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating involving a non-existent project tender.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:44 UTC
Pitch to court – German stars Mueller, Hummels try their hand at badminton
Moving from agile and powerful play on the pitch, two German football stars, Thomas Mueller and Mats Hummels, took an intriguing detour by not only trying their hand at badminton, but also challenging former European men’s doubles champion Marvin Seidel. Although this was part of their social media content for the #ThoMats Challenge, Mueller and Hummels showed that they actually have some potential in the sport. Mueller and Hummels then faced off in a friendly match up to 11 points, with Hummels narrowly winning 11-9. Mueller, Seidel and Hummels chatting after a game. “Your footwork was excellent, and you showed great fighting spirit throughout,” said Seidel, clearly impressed by the badminton potential of both Mueller and Hummels.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:41 UTC